Commentary by Michele Pred for brute facts: special issue in honor of Allan Pred

My father, Allan Pred, continues to be a huge influence on my artwork and activism. As far back as I can remember, political discussions with my father were part of everyday life. Allan’s ideas inspired me to look at the world through a different lens. He also taught me how to take action and create change. In the seventh grade, when I told him that only the girls in my school were required to wear a uniform for P.E., Allan wrote a letter to the Berkeley Unified School District citing Title IX. Needless to say, the rule was changed, and uniforms were no longer required. Allan taught me the importance of taking action, whether I’m organizing a feminist art parade or a nationwide billboard exhibition for Abortion Rights. In the years prior to his death, Dad and I had often spoken about creating a collaborative art piece but never had the opportunity. His death necessarily transformed, but did not remove, my urge to collaborate... . and reflect. The result was an installation-based montage portrait of Allan in the form of an exhibition titled ‘Radical Geographer: Portrait of my Father’. The show included some of the books he wrote, along with photos, writings, and mementos from his life. This was my homage to him.